2004-05 Men's Basketball

Denison vs. Bluffton University

Bluffton defeats Denison to play in championship game

By Ben Risinger, sports information directorDecember 29, 2004

BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University men's basketball team (5-4) defeated Denison
University (3-7) 82-78 in the opening round of the McDonald's of Bluffton Holiday
Tournament on Dec. 29. Bluffton will face Lake Erie College on Dec. 30 at 3 p.m. for
the championship game. Grove City will play Denison at 1 p.m. in the consolation game.

The contest started off slow for Bluffton as they found themselves down by five points
(16-11) at the 12 minute mark in the first half. The Beavers fought back the entire
period as they tied the game four times in the first half alone. At halftime the score
would be Denison 37, Bluffton 35.

The second half would find the Big Red up by 10 points 68-58 with seven minutes left
in the game. Bluffton used quick plays and foul shots to come back within five (75-70)
with three minutes left. Senior Nathan Chivington (Trenton/Miami East) then connected on four straight foul shots to put the Beavers
down by only two (75-73). Chivington then quenched the deal when he hit a layup with
1:57 left in the game to put Bluffton up 79-76. The Beavers held on to their lead
over the next two minutes to come out with the win 82-78.